IU Northwest News

Exposing students of color to altruism is aim; forum serves to strengthen support and ensure future of philanthropic leaders in communities

Thursday Oct 04, 2018

The conference features a keynote address by Charlotte Lewellen Williams, DrPH, MPH, associate professor of public health and director of the Center on Community Philanthropy at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Indiana University Northwest is proud to host the Indiana Blacks in Philanthropy (IBIP) Conference on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 4 and 5.

The quarterly meeting of the IBIP, held for the first time last year by The Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), was created to engage and inspire minority populations in the study of philanthropy. The conference will continue to take place at different regions throughout the state in the coming years.

IBIP aims to educate and empower Black communities in philanthropic endeavors, such as providing peer support and professional development for grant makers and trustees; expanding philanthropy within Black communities; and mentoring students and young professionals to ensure future generations of philanthropic leaders.

'Advancing Equity Across the Sector'

With the theme of “Advancing Equity Across the Sector” the conference will provide opportunities to explore efforts to make an impact within one’s region and state. It aims to expose students of color, who might not be aware of the opportunities that exist in philanthropy, to the resources of the Lilly School of Philanthropy at IUPUI and provide them with valuable networking opportunities with working professionals.

The conference kicks off Sunday, Nov. 4 with a reception at 5 p.m. in the Moraine Student Center. On Monday, the conference continues in the John W. Anderson Library Conference Center, Room 105ABC.

Monday’s highlight is a keynote address by Charlotte Lewellen Williams, DrPH, MPH, associate professor of public health and director of the Center on Community Philanthropy at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Williams’ presentation, entitled “Advancing Equity Across the Sector,” will focus on best practices regarding philanthropic efforts in underserved communities.

“Effective philanthropy allows communities to generate resources and mobilize talent to improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Assistant Dean and Director of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs Karl Besel, one of the conference’s co-organizers. “Nonprofit organizations, including their employees and board members, can learn from the community engagement strategies currently being implemented by Dr. Williams’ Center on Community Philanthropy. As Dr. Williams will discuss, local organizations need to be very intentional about how their programs foster greater levels of equity for all citizens.”

The conference is one of many events and activities planned to celebrate Indiana University’s bicentennial. The goal of IU’s bicentennial activities, leading up to the 2020 bicentennial year, is to explore IU’s history and its impact on the communities it serves as well as inspiring and engaging those communities in the university’s work.

The conference came together from the efforts of IU Northwest’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs and The Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of the IU Bicentennial, as well as the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, Indiana Blacks in Philanthropy, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

“In alignment with IU Northwest’s mission to enhance the quality of life of the most diverse, urban, industrialized region of the state, IU Northwest seeks to partner with communities to impact and promote social, economic, and cultural development,” said James Wallace, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs and one of the conference’s principal organizers. “This conference demonstrates our commitment to our strategic priorities related to both student success byemphasizing student involvement in co-curricular activities, and diversity and inclusion by strengthening existing and mutually beneficial community-university partnerships that result in authentic collaborative relationships.”

The free event is open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Interested parties can register for both the conference and reception at iun.edu/ibipevent. For more information, contact James Wallace at jamewall@iun.edu or 219-980-6596, or Karl Besel at kbesel@iun.edu or 219-980-6554.